Citizens’ Advisory Board members sought by city

Applicants for the Citizens’ Advisory Board are being sought by the city of Springfield through 5 p.m. June 10. 

The Citizens’ Advisory Board is the body that makes recommendations to City Council about expenditures from the 1/2-cent portion of the Spring Forward SGF tax, a 3/4-cent tax passed in 2024. Voters approved the 1/2-cent portion for a period of 10 years to fund transformative capital improvement projects, community and neighborhood initiatives and park projects, while the other 1/4-cent portion is permanent and funds public safety. 

The board was operational from May 2025 until the March 2 City Council workshop, when City Attorney Jordan Paul explained that the body was out of alignment with the city charter for three reasons: The board had three members that were not residents of the city, it had only eight members instead of nine and it had a chair appointed by council instead of elected by its members. 

The board ceased operations after that May 2 meeting, but not before it had recommended myriad expenditures that have been approved by council. 

Council-approved expenditures as recommended by the Citizens’ Advisory Board are the following: 

• $30 million match to a proposed $30 million allocation by the state of Missouri for a downtown convention and events center; the state funds are included in the present state budget, yet to be signed by Gov. Mike Kehoe, though a lodging tax measure to pay for the center was defeated in two ballot measures
• $30 million for Springfield Art Museum Phase II, with half in fiscal 2027 and half in fiscal 2028
• $5 million for neighborhood Works Plus Program projects for fiscal 2027
• $500,000 for the Neighborhood Works Plus Program for engineering and design support
• $500,000 for creation of 26 neighborhood plans
• $500,000 for park master planning for Fassnight, Grant Beach, Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial, Sequiota and Silver Springs parks for fiscal 2027
• $10.8 million for multiple parks, trails and corridor projects for fiscal 2027; these include a Meador Park Pickleball Complex, $3,624,157; Chadwick Flyer Trail Construction, Kissick to Trail of Honor, $1.8 million; Lafayette Park master plan improvements, $1,380,736; Ungap the Map trail planning, $1 million; Grant Avenue Parkway corridor planning, $1 million; Dickerson Park Zoo master plan, playground and bald eagle exhibit, $850,000; McDaniel Park inclusive playground, $645,833; and Frisco Highline Connector Plan, $500,000

A news release from the city states that the board is being restructured to comply with the city charter, with approval of the restructuring anticipated at council’s June 8 meeting. 

Under the restructuring, the board would consist of nine members, and all must be Springfield residents who have lived within the city limits for at least two years. They must also be registered voters. 

There are four open positions, including the three positions that were previously held by nonresidents Erin Danastasio (chair), Christina Angle and Andy Peebles and the one position, previously empty, that would take the board to its required nine-member level. 

Additionally, the term of Lauren Shantz expired May 1, and she is eligible for reappointment.

The city’s news release spells out criteria for projects to be funded through Spring Forward SGF 1/2-cent tax revenue. A project must meet the following standards: 

• Can be completed with no ongoing debt obligation
• Is eligible for matching funds
• Directly generates new sales tax or other revenue for city services and infrastructure
• Creates jobs or increases economic growth
• Is a catalyst to retain exist or attract new city residents or businesses
• Improves livability for city residents or workers
• Is transformational and invests in the next generation
• Is a continuation of an existing or previous project

Additionally, the release states that preference is given to city-run or city-partnered projects over independent or grant-style projects. Requests for ongoing operating funds are discouraged, maintaining focus on one-time, capital or transformational investments. 

An online board application form is available at https://www.springfieldmo.gov/FormCenter/Boards-Commissions-5/Board-Application-Form-71. 

In addition to residence, contact and employer information, applicants are asked to describe their special qualifications and educational background. They are also asked if they have served on boards, commissions or task forces previously or if they are doing so now, and to outline community activities and offices held. References are also sought, and a resume may be uploaded. The form lists 30 volunteer boards and commissions in a checklist form where applicants may specify the body on which they want to serve.